SC refuses to pass order on Mayawati's plea in asset case

PTI|

May 15, 2008, 06.14 PM IST

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to pass any order on the petition filed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati seeking quashing of CBI probe against her in disproportionate asset case registered five years ago.

"We are not passing any interim order," a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said and issued notices for July 14 to the Centre and CBI after hearing the counsel for the two sides who traded charges against each other.

While senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Mayawati, wanted that the investigating agency should be restrained from filing chargesheet or any report in the case, Solicitor General G E Vahanvati vehemently pressed that CBI Director be allowed to take a decision to file a report about the probe of the case before the apex court.

Salve alleged that entire inquiry was illegal against the Chief Minister and the case was foisted against her for political reasons.

However, Vahanvati contended that the case was registered against her as per the apex court direction and Mayawati had made representations at all level including Prime Minister against the case as she was scared of the outcome of the investigation.

"They (Mayawati and others) are scared what is coming out in public domain," the Solicitor General said. However, Salve shot back saying "the Centre was scared in view of the 2009 General Elections".

Leaving no time, Vahanvati said "I am scared of declining standard in public life". CBI had registered the FIR against Mayawati on October 5, 2003 after the apex court had ordered the agency to investigate the Rs 175 crore Taj Heritage Corridor Scam.